Faculty

Get to know our graduate nursing faculty.

Kacy Ballard, MSN, CRNAAssistant director, Otterbein University/Grant Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program
p/614-566-9116e/kballard@otterbein.edu
" One thing I love about being a CRNA is that every day is different. It is an exhilarating profession that calls for critical thinking, dedication, teamwork, and attention to detail. Whether I’m in the clinical setting or the classroom, I have a great sense of professional pride and accomplishment."

Ruth Chavez, DNP, RN
p/ 614.823.1453
e/ rchavez@otterbein.eduAreas of interest: child health, medically fragile child, developmental disabilities and clinical immersion experiences.
“What I love about nursing is the creativity and autonomy that the nursing profession provides. We are constantly teaching our patients how they can help themselves and promoting wellness and health through the lifespan."

John D Chovan PhD DNP RN CNP CNS, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, ACHPN, AHN-BCDirector DNP program
p/ 614.823.1526
e/ jchovan@otterbein.eduAreas of interest: psychiatric & mental health nursing, palliative care, nursing models, gerontology, holistic nursing, health care systems, leadership, quantitative/qualitative research, thinking and learning, and technology.
“What I love about nursing is the energy I get from my patients and their families. Working with persons dealing with chronic and life-limiting illness, particularly as they approach the end of their lives is amazing work. I'm tired at the end of the day, but my soul is so rejuvenated and content. Every day.”

Eva M. Fried, DNP, MS, RN, WHNP-BCp/614.823.2531
e/efried@otterbein.edu
" For me the most invigorating thing about nursing is the ability to critically analyze research and bring it to the bedside or office/clinic/community in a meaningful way that impacts the life of an indvidual patient."Areas of interest:Women's health, out of hospital birth, sexual health, menopause, adolescent contraception, evidence-based practice, mentoring of APRNs, educational methods.

Brian Garrett, DNP, MSN, RN, CRNAProgram Director, Otterbein University/Grant Nurse Anesthesia Program
p/ 614.823.1326
e/ bgarrett@otterbein.edu
"What I love about my profession in that there is always a learning opportunity. You will never know everything. No matter how experienced you are, something can and will come along and humble you. For this reason, respect for what you do must be maintained at all times."Areas of interest: anesthesia (adult), anesthesia machine, and anesthesia pharmacology.

Karen Hughes PhD, MSN; RN, CNEDirector of Clinical Nurse Leader Program
p/ 614.823.1539
e/ khughes@otterbein.edu
" I am a champion for the CNL role in Central Ohio and enjoy collaborating with students on their CNL projects."Areas of interest: medical surgical nursing; renal failure and diabetes; educational methods; incivility in higher education.

Kirk A Hummer, DNP, MBA, RN, CNPp/ 614.579-3785
e/ khummer@otterbein.edu
" I love the nursing professional and the ever changing healthcare environment. It’s a great time to be a nurse, we are going to have a big impact on our community and the nation as a whole"Areas of interest: Emergency and Urgent care practice, procedural skills for APRNs, Student heath and Healthcare Administration.

Regina Prusinski DNP, CPNP-AC
p/614.823.1388e/rprusinski@otterbein.edu
Yesterday a nursing student asked me why I chose to work with children. Today I had an answer. I couldn't not nurse children. At times it can break my heart, but it always fulfills my soul's need to help, heal, and make a real difference in someone's life.Areas of interest: pediatric critical care, congenital cardiac populations, and evidence based practice.

Alicia Ribar, PhD, RN, CNP
Director of FNP Program
Director Associate to MSN program
p/ 614.823.1253
e/ aribar@otterbein.edu
"Providing comprehensive health services including health education to families is central in being a great nurse practitioner. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner has allowed me to grow in my nursing practice and develop close long standing relationships with patients and their families."Areas of interest: pediatric and women's health; qualitative research; nutritional interventions affecting health; maternal-infant research; and lactation education.

Vanessa Johnson MSN, RN
Nursing Skills Laboratory Instructor
p/ 614.823.1228
e/ vjohnson@otterbein.edu
"I love the nursing profession because you can do anything you want with it and take it anywhere you want to go while helping others."